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Lynn U Expands iPad Initiative
Lynn University in Florida has expanded
its iPad initiative to include all of its day undergraduate students, new MBA students
and Ed.D. students.
The university launched its iPad initiative a year ago to help deliver its
core curriculum and save students money on textbooks. Students at the university
can use their iPads to download faculty-produced iBooks and other course
materials at no cost and to access course content on iTunes U. The university
issued approximately 750 iPads in the first year of the program and anticipates
issuing 1,800 in the 2014-15 school year.
According to the university, the devices have improved the teaching and
learning experience at the university and saved students between 44 and 93
percent on textbook costs, depending on the program of study. "Combined with our
curriculum and faculty-produced iBooks, it is a transformational learning device
that truly engages students," said Chris Boniforti, chief information officer
for Lynn University, in a prepared statement. "It also helps them save hundreds
of dollars over the cost of traditional learning materials." An example from the
university shows that a first-year business student can spend only $29 on
materials, compared to $938 for new, hard-copy textbooks.
According to Gregg Cox, vice president for academic affairs, Lynn University
will deliver "approximately 100 percent of day undergraduate and 80 percent of
MBA course content through the iPad and iTunes U" this year — a significant
expansion over the first year — and the university hopes to achieve 100 percent
delivery within another year or two. "Meanwhile, we continue to evaluate the program
to ensure our student engagement increases and that the learning experience also
improves," he said in a prepared statement.
The university measures the success and progress of its iPad initiative
through student surveys, student performance metrics and cost analysis. After
the first year, the university found that "94 percent of students and 97 percent
of faculty associated the iPad with favorably contributing to the learning
experience."
About the Author
Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at [email protected].
